Chemical-Free Gardening: Why Your Veggies Deserve Better

The Hidden Dangers in Conventional Garden Beds

Did you know that the materials used to build your garden beds could be leaching harmful chemicals into your soil—and ultimately, your food? Many traditional raised garden beds are made with pressure-treated pine (containing copper, arsenic, or other preservatives) or cheap plastics that break down over time, releasing toxins.

If you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or fruits, these chemicals can be absorbed by your plants and end up on your plate. That’s why chemical-free gardening isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity for health-conscious growers.

Lettuce growing chemical free

Why Go Chemical-Free?

1. Protect Your Family’s Health

• Treated timber (e.g., CCA or ACQ) contains heavy metals that can contaminate soil.

• Plastic liners may leach microplastics and endocrine disruptors.

• ✅ Solution: Use untreated, food-grade materials like Cypress Pine (naturally rot-resistant without chemicals).

2. Grow Truly Organic Produce

• Even if you avoid pesticides, contaminated garden beds can undermine your efforts.

• ✅ Solution: A chemical-free wicking bed ensures clean soil from the start.

3. Better for the Environment

• Toxic runoff from treated wood harms soil microbes and waterways.

• ✅ Solution: Sustainable materials like galvanized steel (hot-dipped, not coated) and natural timber reduce ecological impact.

How to Build a Truly Chemical-Free Garden

✔ Choose the Right Materials

• Wood: Cypress Pine (naturally durable) or untreated hardwood (avoid pine unless certified chemical-free).

• Joinery: Hot-dipped galvanized screws (safe, rust-proof).

• Liners: Food-grade polyethylene (if needed) instead of PVC or rubber.

✔ Avoid These Common Toxins

🚫 Pressure-treated wood (contains copper, arsenic, or other preservatives).

🚫 Railway sleepers (often soaked in creosote, a carcinogen).

🚫 Recycled plastics (unless certified food-safe).

✔ Opt for a Wicking Bed (The Safest System)

Wicking beds are ideal for chemical-free gardening because:

• Self-contained system prevents ground contamination.

• Less watering means fewer toxins are pulled from questionable materials.

• Controlled soil health lets you start fresh with clean compost.

What We Use at Wickwell Gardens

We build 100% chemical-free wicking beds because your veggies deserve better:

• Cypress Pine timber (naturally rot-resistant, no chemical treatment needed).

• Hot-dipped galvanized fittings (won’t rust or leach).

• No questionable liners – just clean, efficient design.

Browse our range:

• Slimline (0.4m) – Safe gardening for small spaces.

• Classic (0.8m) – Our bestselling bed.

• Grand (1.2m) – Spacious, chemical-free growing.